Start your ignitions! The festivities take place this Saturday, August 15.

By Rebecca Danvers

Food from a dozen local restaurants, fire throwers, and roaming street performers – at night in Union Square!

To celebrate Union Square’s sizzling food landscape, ArtsUnion will present Ignite, an evening of international eats, fire throwers, roving entertainment and a raucous celebration of global culture on Saturday, August 15, 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Just a few of the 2015 vendors include Cantina La Mexicana, Casa B (Latin American Tapas), Reliable Market (Korean), India Palace, Gracie’s Ice Cream and the Arts Council’s Nibble Culinary Entrepreneurs, who will be serving up: Mexican Tostadas de Tinga de Pollo and Brazilian Acarajé. You will also be able to graze on Brazilian BBQ while sipping freshly squeezed sugar cane juice, or perhaps a vegetarian Indian dosa is more up your alley? They’ve got you covered.

There will also be plenty of food activities: At the Arts Council table play “Ignite Your Mouth” or the “Nose Olympics!” and check out the SAC’s Nibble book, which is filled with recipes, stories and art. Nearby there will be food demos: Mexican Cactus Juice, Brazilian Acarajé and a how-to ferment extravaganza. There will also be activities for children (6:00-8:00 p.m.), including a “Play with your Food!” art activity and a stilting workshop courtesy of Open Air Circus in Stone Park (behind the Independent parking lot). Also visit Groundworks Somerville and the Community Growing Center tables to learn more about their great food-related work.

Beyond food, there will be roving performers, including belly dancers, Butoh cheerleaders and musicians. Get ready for a salsa performance by Noche Latina Dance School and don’t miss the main event: a fire throwing spectacular by the Boston Circus Guild. All evening long, visit the Uniun (next to backbar) where there will be a DJ and activities for all ages. The festival will be illuminated in high style by Todd Sargent. From the global menu and fire to an 8-foot tiger head created by Pecan Nut, this festival guarantees thrills, international flavor – and a full stomach!

This event is free and open to the public. Rain date: Sunday, August 16 from 6:00-10:00 p.m.

Road Closures: Walk, bike or take public transport if at all possible. The stretch of Somerville Ave. that abuts the plaza will be partially closed; there will only be one lane of traffic going either way. Webster Ave. will be closed. However, Prospect Ave. will be open to two-way traffic (normally one-way).